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Craft Supplies I Couldn't Live Without
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items These are the tools I swear by—the ride-or-die supplies that make creating smoother, cleaner, more joyful. From soft watercolor brushes to heavy-duty sewing machines, this list is curated for versatility, durability, and sheer creative satisfaction. ...
Sections
6
Scrapbooking and Bookbinding
Painting
Sewing
The Details
Machines and Equipment
Storage
Scrapbooking and Bookbinding
These are the quiet heroes of paper craft—the cutters, folders, adhesives, and specialty tools that elevate your projects from slapped-together to archival-worthy. Whether you’re binding a handmade zine or just want crisp, clean folds in your cardmak...
This isn’t just a box cutter—it’s the knife that lives on your desk, in your kit, and in your hand 90% of the time. From slicing book board to trimming watercolor paper, its comfort grip and easy blade changes make it a daily MVP.
OLFA Utility Knife | The Craft Knife That Never Quits
Forget gluesticks and spray adhesives—YES Paste is archival, repositionable, and holds like a dream. It’s perfect for mounting work without warping delicate papers or making a mess. I also use it for bookbinding, and it is so much better for avoiding...
YES Paste | The Collager’s Best Friend
A solid mat changes your whole setup. This one lasts forever, protects your table, and gives you the cleanest cuts possible. It’s a must for any precision work.
Elan Self-Healing Cutting Mat | Your Desk’s Best Armor
Whether you’re folding zines, scoring card stock, or smoothing a glued spine, a good bone folder makes it clean, sharp, and satisfying.
Bone Folder | A Bookbinder’s Secret Weapon
This dual-function tool makes clean cuts and perfect folds every time. For card-making, print prep, or zine layouts—it’s efficient and satisfying.
Firbon Mini Paper Cutter & Scorer | Cut, Score, Repeat
Compact and reliable, this trimmer is ideal for quickly slicing through heavy paper. You’ll use it more than you think—and miss it when it’s gone.
Ecraft Paper Trimmer | Lightweight, Effective, Essential
This little guy is a game changer for photo mounting, collage, and card-making. No drying time, no warping, no regrets.
Tape Runner | Quick Stick with No Mess
These are the kind of scissors you hide from roommates. They cut fabric, chipboard, plastic packaging—you name it—and still glide like butter.
Livingo Heavy-Duty Scissors | Sharp, Strong, Forever Useful
Painting
For watercolor lovers and mixed-media dabblers alike, these are the tools that bring color to life. From buttery pigments and thirsty brushes to beautiful palettes and paper that holds up to heavy washes—this section is curated for expression, flow, ...
There’s just no substitute. This hot press paper handles everything from detailed brushwork to heavy washes and lifts beautifully. It’s expensive, yes—but every stroke feels elevated.
Arches Aquarelle Hot Press Paper | The Gold Standard of Watercolor
These synthetic squirrel brushes hold a shocking amount of water while maintaining precision. They feel like luxury without the cruelty, and they’ve become my absolute go-to for fluid, expressive painting.
Princeton Neptune Brushes | Watercolor’s Softest Touch
I was hesitant about the price, but I am so glad I finally went for it. If you want color that glows, this is it. These professional-grade paints have unbeatable saturation and blend like a dream. You’ll see and feel the difference immediately, and y...
Winsor & Newton Artist Watercolors | Rich Pigment, Radiant Results
Reliable, affordable, and surprisingly versatile. The Cotman line is my recommendation for anyone getting started or traveling light—it won’t let you down.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Set | The Beginner’s Best Bet
Glass and plastic palettes can stain or scratch. This one is elegant, durable, and designed for true color mixing. A tactile joy for any watercolorist.
MEEDEN Porcelain Palette | For the Serious Painter
Whether you’re animating, transferring sketches, or layering transparencies, this ultra-thin lightbox is a lifesaver. It’s easy on the eyes and the wrist.
LITENERGY Light Table | Trace, Transfer, Perfect
This tiny tank of a sketchbook is made with 100% cotton, 300gsm cold press watercolor paper—aka the good stuff. It’s the perfect grab-and-go companion for plein air sessions, travel journaling, or testing out color combos. The textured pages hold up ...
Tumuarta 300gsm Cotton Watercolor Sketchbook
Sewing
From patchwork to full garment construction, these are my go-to tools for a smooth sewing experience. Sturdy scissors, rotary cutters, and a machine that doesn’t quit—it’s all about consistency and confidence. Whether you’re a beginner hemming curtai...
AMAZON LINK | This machine is a dream for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Quiet, smooth, and packed with features like an automatic needle threader and quilting table—it’s a reliable workhorse for anything from patches to full garments.
Brother CS7000X Sewing Machine | User-Friendly, Feature-Heavy
Cutting fabric used to mean jagged edges and hand strain. Not anymore. This rotary cutter glides through layers with control and speed—just pair it with a good mat.
Fiskars Rotary Fabric Cutter | Clean Cuts, Crisp Lines
The Details
This is where the magic happens. Wax seals, embossing powders, porcelain palettes—the little things that add polish, personality, and charm to your work. These aren’t always necessities, but they’re the things that make crafting feel special.
Add elegance and intention to your envelopes, journals, or packaging with a classic wax seal. It’s more versatile than it looks—and weirdly addictive.
Manual Wax Seal Kit | A Romantic, Satisfying Finish
If you’re sealing more than one or two things, this glue gun-style tool will save your wrists and your patience. Fast, even, and way less mess.
Wax Seal Gun and Sealing Kit | Clean Seals, Less Fuss
This is the tool that makes people go, “Wait, how did you do that?” Perfect for cards, tags, and special touches, it’s surprisingly easy to use and super satisfying.
Embossing Kit | Add Texture and Shine
Machines and Equipment
The big guns. These tools aren’t cheap, but they’re investments in your creative power. Whether you’re cutting leather with a Cricut, quilting on a Brother machine, or pressing vinyl with an EasyPress—these machines expand what you can make and how e...
Expensive… I know, but this machine is a powerhouse. Whether you’re cutting vinyl, leather, or intricate cardstock designs, the Cricut Maker 4 handles it effortlessly. The Everything Bundle really means everything—tools, mats, pens, and access to a w...
Cricut Maker 4 | The Creative Machine That Does It All
BROTHER SITE | This machine is a dream for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Quiet, smooth, and packed with features like an automatic needle threader and quilting table—it’s a reliable workhorse for anything from patches to full garments.
Brother CS7000X Sewing Machine | User-Friendly, Feature-Heavy
This press gives you the consistent heat and pressure you need for flawless vinyl transfers or fabric fusing. Easier, faster, and way more reliable than a regular iron. Works perfectly with Cricut for heat press vinyl transfers!
Cricut EasyPress 3 | Ironing? Never Heard of Her
Storage
This charming patterned tote is as practical as it is cute. With plenty of pockets for pens, tools, scissors, washi tape, and more, it’s the perfect organizer for crafters, scrapbookers, and artists on the move. Whether you’re working at home or pack...
Craft Organizer Tote – Adorable & Functional